And the whole world held no lass for him But Kate. Then laughed the old man grim.
"Your mither, she was a stubborn lass, Self-willed, handsome—but let that pass.
"In a' oor battles 'twas she who won, And Neil, you're juist your mither's son.
"But I hae na lived these mony days Wi'oot walking in wisdom's ways.
"I saw your Kate, and like't her weel— In luiks she's like your mither, Neil;
"The same blue een, and the same gowd hair— But no sae fair, Neil, no sae fair.
"I tou'd your uncle to let Kate be The lassie poor, o' low degree,
"And gie ye at once to understand 'Twas Jane who owned baith flocks and land.
"Why gie mysel' sic a senseless task? I wunner, lad, ye've hairt tae ask.
"Gin ye was driven ye wouldna' move, Too stubborn to even fa' in luve!